Gym make-up: Look good while you work out

I’m a great believer that if you look good, you feel good, especially when it comes to the gym.

Let’s face it, when you’re working hard and then you look up and catch sight of a red-faced mess in the mirror, your motivation takes a bit of a dive – you think you’re a gym bunny when in fact you’re a rabbit stew.

I love my workout clothes from Sundried – which you can read about here – but recently, with my hormones fluctuating and affecting my skin, I need a bit more help to stop me looking as if I’m about to keel over before I’ve even started.

Some people say that wearing make-up to the gym is bad and hand on heart, I used to be one of them. And then I realised that I went to the gym straight from work with my make-up on – hypocrite, your name was 50Sense!

However, I don’t want to put on a full face and clog up my pores while I’m sweating it out in the Big Boys’ Room (free weights). At the same time, I don’t want something so light it starts running down my face, especially if I’m going on somewhere post-workout.

If your normal day make-up is too heavy for the gym, make up a budget-friendly sweat-proof selection for when you’re working out so you can still look good without breaking the bank. (Links to retailer sites in each title.)

I used to think it was a marketing gimmick, but a good primer is essential for keeping your face in place. I’ve used E.L.F. for years, right back to when you could only order it online, and while the price has gone up, it’s still a great bargain brand and being able to buy it on the high street is the icing on the cake.

I’ve tried this primer for a couple of months now and it’s part of my make-up arsenal. I have combination skin and this is wonderful for moisturising where I need it. It gives my skin a boost and keeps my foundation looking good all day long. Use sparingly.

Okay, I’ve cheated with this, but everything else is so cheap that you can splurge a little on your base. This is a brilliant tinted moisturiser – and believe me, I’ve tried loads. It comes out white and then adjusts to your skin colour to give a natural tint. I look sunkissed but not orange. It’s great for my sensitive, combination skin and gives my face an instant punch of moisture.

For a real budget bargain, last summer I picked up Primark’s PS My Perfect Colour Tinted Moisturiser. It gives a nice, light, natural look and doesn’t feel gloopy or thick. If you see it, give it a try – I got mine on sale for £2!

Brows are the bane of my life. When I was younger, I used to pluck away. Now I cry at the memory because they’ve faded away to nothing and a face just doesn’t look right without eyebrows - it’s the only beauty tip that I consistently agree with. Together with my eyelashes, brows are the part of my face I will always make-up – even though you often can’t see it under my fringe!

If you haven’t heard of W7, you’re missing out. It’s a great, budget range that is perfect for your dropping into your gym bag. The Brow Bar is a set of four shades to allow you to get your perfect tone and shape and they won’t move throughout your workout.

My mascara of choice for every day and while you can get sports waterproof mascara, I’d plump for this over any of them. I mentioned it before in my Etmore Beauty review and it’s my go-to for every occasion now.

It gives long, clump-free lashes and each lash stands alone. The brush is a mix of long and short bristles, so even the annoying little lashes at the inside of my eye get covered, and it doesn’t come off at all. Use a micellar water or a make-up remover to wash it off.

To be honest, my biggest hang-up with lips at the gym is the air-con, which seems to dry them out and leave them cracked. Go for a lip oil to give a subtle sheen with moisture that isn’t sticky. W7’s has argan oil in it for added hydration. Plus it was also named best value buy lip gloss in the Beauty Shortlist Awards of 2016, so know you’re in good hands.

What products do you have to have when you work out? Let me know in the comments below.

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